Page 35 - MAR PROOF 5 2019 - The Castle Pines Connection

CastlePinesConnection.com
35
BRE Jumps for heart
BRE PE teacher Ronda Gutierrez dressed up to encourage students to jump rope for heart on Valentine’s Day.
Bu alo Ridge Elementary (BRE) commemorated Valentine’s Day in
the typical fashion with class parties, exchanging valentines and lots of red and pink. They also celebrated healthy hearts by participating in the American Heart Association (AHA) Kids Heart Challenge. All grades, kindergarten through fth, participated in organized jump rope activities.
PE teacher Ronda Gutierrez, music teacher Cathy Deneault and art teacher Tim Ryckman led each grade level through several rounds of 30-second timed jump rope rotations. Music like “I Like to Move It” by Reel 2 Reel, best known from the “Madagascar” movies and “Jump” by Kris
Article and photos by Celeste McNeil
Kross thumped through the gym as students jumped their hearts out. Students also competed in “last boy and girl standing” – the goal to jump as long as possible without stopping or miss-stepping.
This is the 19th year BRE has participated in fundraising for the AHA. Gutierrez
told students of BRE’s proud tradition of helping the American Heart Association while staying active and having fun in the process. “Every year Bu alo Ridge is always a top fundraising school,” she said. The students excitedly participated and showed exemplary sportsmanship during rotations and competitions. Students waited patiently for their turn. Cheers, high- ves and smiles were shared between friends.
Second-grader Caleb M. jumped during BRE Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser for the American Heart Association.
Caleb M., a second-grade student said, “I really liked jumping rope because I got to be active and have fun with my friends. It feels good knowing that I’m helping other people.” BRE raised more than $12,000 for the AHA.
The “buzzing” bee
Prickliness: n the quality of being covered with prickly thorns or spines. P.R.I.C.K.L.I.N.E.S.S. This was the winning word buzzing around Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) on January 16 as the school hosted its 16th annual spelling bee to TTE fourth- and fth-graders. Fifth-grader Martin Black proved victorious once again this year with his second consecutive win. Fourth-grader Blake Miller came in strong as runner-up spelling “A.C.H.I.E.V.E.”
Each year, thousands of schools participate in the National Spelling Bee. The purpose of a spelling bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.
TTE has participated in the annual spelling bee since the school rst opened its doors to students. The bee process begins in December with a 30-word written test given by homeroom teachers. The bee coordinator then invites the
top spellers to advance to the school’s oral bee. Third-grade teacher Kimberly Jester has been TTE bee coordinator and pronouncer ever since she can remember. Using the “2019 Pronouncer’s Guide” provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Jester and judges Michele Radke, Tara Allen and Michelle McCluskey announced, listened and looked for clarity among the 58 words announced. Words from that list progressed from easy
to di cult and included “comrades,” “plodding,” and “sca olding.”
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy Melanie Christensen
Proud Principal Michele Radke presented winning spelling awards to Martin Black (left) and Blake Miller (right).
Seventeen TTE students participated in the school bee. To fully prepare for the bee, students were given a grade-speci c word list to study with words varying in degree of di culty. Black admitted he was nervous at rst, but once he got on stage his butter ies went away. Black said the bee was a great experience and he encouraged fellow students who will compete next year to think of it as a fun game. He said, “Then it’s no stress if you get out because you made it there, and that’s all that counts.”
The District Spelling Bee was held on Saturday, February 2 in Castle Rock. Black was one of 83 elementary and middle school students participating. A big congratulations to all of TTE’s buzzing bee participants!